Actually combining Alchemy with Smithing at top levels results in the strongest equipment possible in the game (assuming you took proper perks). Yes Alchemy is quite a bother but it is actually worth it.

Eh, I've never been one for using alchemy. Smithing yes but never alchemy. Right now I'm doing a full mage playthrough (I use zero weapons or I use them very, very rarely and I'm completely dependant on my magicka and spells) and I already got decent clothing with good enchantments on them (the usual Morokei+Arch-Mage's Robes combo, The Gauldur Amulet, Ring of Replenishing, some boots that give me +50% shock resistance and Cultist gloves with +25 magicka boost), and I have no need for armor since I have the Dragonhide spell, which is one of the best spells to ever exist.

Put 7 skill points to alchemy, as many as you want in smithing, and a bunch in enchanting. make a potion that enhances enchanting, enchant armor to enhance alchemy, put on alchemy boosting armor, make better enchanting potion, next enchant new armor while using better enchanting potion. Repeat 4 time for max stats in enchanting/smithing/alchemy then make over powered armor with over powered enchantments on them.